The British Musical Biography

[E] Stockley, William Cole, organist and
conductor, born at Farningham, Kent, Feb-
ruary 1, 1830. Studied locally, and appeared
at concerts. In 1849 went to Birmingham,
and entered the house of Sabin, music-sellers,
etc. Became organist of St. Stephen's ; St.
Mary's ; and St. Luke's churches ; and up to
1889, was organist at Carr's Lane Chapel.
He formed a Choral Society while at St.
Stephen's ; and in 1855 was invited to become
conductor of the Festival Choral Society.
He gave up business in accepting the offer;
and his first work was to conduct a perfor-
mance of the " Messiah," on Boxing Night,
1855. On December 26, 1894, he conducted
the 40th consecutive annual performance of
the same. He severed his connection with the
Society in 1895. He was also conductor of
Societies at Wolverhampton, conducting the
Festivals there to 1880 ; and at Walsall and
elsewhere. Gave his first Orchestral Concert
in Birmingham Town Hall, December 11,
1873, and his last, March 11, 1897. During
this period he introduced many works and
composers to the city, and made the nearest
approach to a permanent orchestra that
Birmingham lias witnessed. As choirmaster
to the Birmingham Festival, 1858-94, his
work and experience have been unique. In
1873 he resvuned business, and resigned his
teaching connection and many appointments.

[+] He has received many tokens of the apprecia-
tion in which his public work has been held.

entry id: 396-R-33